Sunday, 7 September 2008
You must be on the Electoral Register. However you can only register if you are British, Irish, a Commonwealth or European Union Citizen. There are special rules about electors being added to the Register during an election period. Because of these you may not be able to vote at that election if you are added during this time.
You can check at the Central Library, Waterdale, Doncaster or at the Electoral Services Unit, Copley House, Waterdale, Doncaster or by calling the Electoral Services Unit direct on telephone number (01302 )734658/ 734685 or eMail the Electoral Services Unit (elections.legal@doncaster.gov.uk)
Voting is the most important way to make your voice heard on the issues that concern you.
Decisions are made on your behalf every day, ranging from what is happening in local schools and what recreational facilities you have, to national issues like healthcare and education, to global issues like defence and the environment.
In many countries around the world, including the UK people have fought to gain the right to vote. It is only within the last 70 years that women have had the right to vote on equal terms with men. But having the right to vote is not enough. A democracy relies on people using their votes. By voting, you can hold your elected representatives accountable.
Make sure you have your say!
When an Election is due to take place the Returning Officer will send a poll card to all eligible voters, indicating the location/address of their polling station. This card will also give information on the opening times of your Polling Station for that particular Election. Information can also be found on the web site or by contacting the Electoral Services Unit.
You need to mark for your choice of candidate by placing a 'cross' at the side of your choice. The amount of candidates you are able to vote for will be stated at the top of your ballot paper.
They help people identify the candidate or party they want to vote for. Some electors have poor eyesight or cannot read well. Only candidate's standing for a 'registered' party can use these emblems.
The counterfoils are placed into envelopes and sealed at the close of poll in each polling station. These envelopes can only be opened if a Court orders it. This will only be done if there are doubts about whether or not the election has been honestly run and your number will not be matched up to your name.
Yes, just give the staff at the polling station your name and address, they will find you on the register and issue you with a ballot paper.
You have to vote at the polling station allocated to you, only staff there will have your name on their register.
No. People can only vote for themselves unless they have made prior arrangements to vote as a proxy for someone. If this is a permanent/ regular situation then contact the Electoral Services Unit for details on how to apply for a proxy vote.
Not unless you have reregistered. If you have moved within Doncaster Council you will be able to vote from your old address. If you have moved into Doncaster from away you will have to contact the Electoral Services Officer in that area to arrange a postal vote to be sent.
Yes. It can now be handed into your local polling station and staff there will ensure it gets to the count safely.
I am sorry that this has happened, but the Registration Officer may not have known. We will update our records and please accept our apologies for any distress we may have caused.
If you are unable to attend the polling station you will have to apply for a postal or proxy vote before the Election Day.
Would voting by post be more convenient? You can now have a postal vote on demand. the postal vote can be indefinite, for a set period of time or for just one election. So whether you are on holiday, working, ill or would just prefer to vote this way, you need never miss out again.
Use the form below to apply to vote by post. Completed applications must be received at least 6 days prior to an election.
If you are physically incapable or permanently work away and are unable to attend the polling station you can apply for a permanent proxy vote. This means that someone else can vote on your behalf.
If you are going to be away from home for just one election you can also appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, called a temporary proxy vote.
Use the form below to apply to vote by proxy. Completed applications must be received at least 6 days prior to an election.
